Ex-West Brom Defender Sodje Delighted With Progress Of Semi Ajayi For Club And Country

Former West Brom defender Sam Sodje is delighted with the progress of Semi Ajayi for club and country this season.

Five years ago, Ajayi was playing in the English fourth-tier for AFC Wimbledon but has now become a key player in a West Brom side tipped for promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2019-2020 campaign.

Sodje is advising the Super Eagles center back to remain at West Brom for at least one more season, though he has put himself in the shop window following his outstanding displays.

"Apart from this season, Semi has done well, playing in the lower divisions before joining West Brom, to do that in England is very tough," ex-Super Eagles star Sam Sodje told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"West Brom is a big club where his performance has to be top drawer to be in that level, so he has done really well. Good player.

"West Brom are looking to be promoted so there is no need for him to think of moving , he will have the chance to play in the Premier League, he has to take it.

"You never know, if a big club come for him he might go. If I have to advise him, he should stay one more season at West Brom and play in the Premier League."

Ajayi's international career is on an upward trajectory as he has dislodged Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem and Kenneth Omeruo as William Troost-Ekong's preferred defensive partner, going the distance in all the four matches played by the Super Eagles post-AFCON. 

Sodje is not surprised that the Baggies center half has broken into the Super Eagles starting XI because he's getting the best coaching at West Brom.

"I am a very big fan of Awaziem, I think Awaziem could be a big player if he gets coached properly but Semi has done well, he's played in midfield before so he will be good on the ball and the way they play these days you have to play from the back so it will work well for him.

"Semi is getting the best coaching with West Brom, so he'll probably be doing well with the national team.

"I'd say we need a defensive coach in the national team to coach players how to defend properly, being in West Brom he must be coached properly," concluded Sodje.

Semi Ajayi has started 35 matches in the Championship this term, scoring five goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel